3M agreed to settlement with the United States Government for defective earplugs

In a whistleblower case, 3M has agreed to a settlement for selling defective dual-ended combat arms earplugs (CAEv2).

From 2003-2015, dual-ended combat arms earplugs (CAEv2) from 3M were standard issued to U.S. military members. If you have suffered hearing loss from the usage of the dual-ended combat arms earplugs please contact our offices for a free consultation.

For Over 10 Years Defective Combat Earplugs Were Standard Issue

Every day the men and women in our military put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. They depend on equipment to enhance their performance when addressing our nation’s needs. How could a business put profits over the wellbeing of those who risk it all to protect our freedoms? Sadly, according to news reports, Aearo Technologies, which was acquired by 3M in 2008, was doing just that.

From 2003-2015, dual-ended combat arms earplugs (CAEv2) from 3M were standard issued to U.S. military members. The military issued these earplugs without knowledge of the defects. These earplugs placed thousands of our service members at risk of hearing loss.

It was reported that Aearo was aware of the defects as early as 2000. Three years before the earplugs started being issued to our brave service members. Aearo/3M hid their findings and became the exclusive provider of earplugs for the military. They now have agreed to pay the U.S. Government $9.1 million in a settlement.

Sadly, the Veterans Benefits Administration reports approximately 2.6 million veterans are receiving disability compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), making this one of the most dominant service-related disabilities.

What You Should Know

Is this a class action lawsuit? – This is not a class action lawsuit; these personal injury claims are being worked up individually with the possibility of being consolidated in one court.

Is the $9 million awarded to the Government being divided amongst the military personnel who suffered from these defective earplugs? – The nine million dollar lawsuit settlement was for the Whistleblower lawsuit against 3M, which is separate and different from the personal injury claim our firm is investigating. You would need to be a part of a lawsuit to obtain a monetary award for damages.

Will this affect your VA Benefits? – It depends on the type of benefits you are receiving and will need to be reviewed on an individual basis. We encourage you to contact our firm for more information.

Call Us Now

If you have suffered hearing loss from the usage of the dual-ended combat arms earplugs (CAEv2) while enlisted in the military (2003-2015), please contact our offices for a free consultation. Our firm has significant experience in these type of cases, and we have the resources and expertise necessary to give our clients their best chance for success. Please call us at (866) 449-7631 or contact us online for more information.

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See if you qualify for compensation, please fill out the form or call us at (866) 449-7631.

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Were you enlisted in the military between 2003 - 2015?*

Did you wear yellow and green ear plugs or dual ended ear plugs called Combat Arms CAEv2 Earplugs by 3M?*

Have you been diagnosed with hearing Loss or Tinnitus?*

Have you signed a contract with another attorney regarding your case?*